OUTLOOK
Matt has laid out most of the outlook and some insights into the Friday fishing report YouTube edition. Check it out in the link above but as always for the more up to date info please read the report.
The recap of this video it simple. The Long Weekend it here! As always, the forecast got a little more detailed since Matt did the video. There is more rain in the forecast for today with some wind, but it will subside on Saturday. We will see a little more rain over the Saturday and Sunday but it looks like sun and cloud for the Labour Day Monday!
There are regulation changes too – You can now keep two legal size chinook in the tidal waters! The Fraser is still closed but in the areas we could keep one chinook, you can now keep two over 62 cm. More details in this week’s saltwater report below!
On the fishing front the rain is again not a bad thing. It will keep water cool and fish happy. It might motivate some fish up the rivers and we may see a shift for the saltwater anglers, but the fishing has been excellent, and we expect it to continue but we did have orcas come through the local waters on Wednesday night and the fishing slowed considerably. This will happen this time of year. Sorry for all those who hit the water yesterday but it should cycle beck to good fishing over the next 24 hours.
Jason has some important info on how to respect the whales if you encounter them out on the water. Please take a moment to educate yourself in the saltwater section at the end of the report.
This week Alex looks at both the Squamish and Capilano fisheries. The Squamish continues to be excellent and it is well worth the trip. The Capilano has been spotty both at the beach and on the river but the rain might change this. Tides are not great for morning beach fishing, but we have heard there are a bunch of fish out there.
We are also hearing reports of Vedder/Chilliwack pinks showing up. With Vedder and other rivers where bait is legal in mind, we have a piece on curing roe. If you are out saltwater fishing and have managed to keep a few female chinook or even a coho you and you plan to river fish keeping a curing the roe is a good idea. In the piece we look at the three major ways to cure bait. Check it out in the river report section below.
On the fly casting side of things Matt released a cool video on one of the keys concepts to what we consider the west coast/competition style of casting that works well for long casts with heavy sink tips in adverse conditions or when you are out with bigger rods in any situation. This style focuses on the larger muscle groups in the arm and we find it is a good style to maximize power. You might see video’s on the web that focus on the wrist and we have found, for at least our kind of fishing, this style is limiting. The video looks at a concept called the rail. It is a style used by competition anglers around the world and we hope it makes you a better caster. Check it out below.
As we look to September we’re starting our awesome lineup of fall courses. So be sure to check out the September course listing below and grab your spot today. It’s easy to sign up – just come into the store or call us to confirm your spot.
Last but not least we are hiring! If you want to join our team, check out information below!
We’ll see you in the shop or on the water this weekend but remember we’re closed on Monday for Labour Day!
Labour Day Long Weekend Hours
Friday August 30 | 10AM – 7PM
Saturday August 31 | 10AM – 6PM
Sunday September 1 | 11AM – 5PM
Monday September 2 | Closed – We’ll see you on the water
CLASSES AND COURSES
Don’t let the kids be the only ones to head to the classroom – join us in one of our September classes as we kick off the Fall Season of classes.
Introduction To Fly Tying
There is no greater satisfaction than catching a fish with a fly you tied yourself. This course was specifically designed to give you the fundamental skills needed to tie proven fly patterns used here in BC for trout, salmon, and steelhead. This course consists of 3 sessions; each session is 3hrs. Students are required to supply their own vise, tools and materials. A 10% discount is available on materials and tools purchased for the course.
Dates: Sep 18, 25 & Oct 2
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Cost: $80.00+GST
Introduction To Fly Fishing
This course was specifically designed to give the new fly fisher the basic knowledge, casting skills and fly fishing strategies to effectively fish our local BC waters. This course is comprised of two sessions; 3hr evening seminar and a 3hr casting session.
Dates: Seminar Sep 24 seminar & September 29 casting
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Casting Time(s): 10am – 1pm or 1:30pm -4:30pm
Cost: $150.00+GST
Fall Salmon River Fishing
This 3hr evening seminar covers float fishing, spinner fishing and spoon fishing; the three most productive techniques to catch BC salmon in a river. Upgrade your seminar to include a fully guided day on the water, putting into practice your new knowledge with a Pacific Angler guide.
Dates: Seminar: Sep 23 Guided: Sep 28, Sep 29, Oct 12 or Oct 13 (custom trip dates available)
Seminar Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm | Guided: Full Day
Seminar Only Cost: $50.00
Seminar & Guided Walk’n Wade Cost: $275.00 per angler, minimum of 2 anglers per guided day on the water.
WE’RE HIRING
Join our growing team! We’re looking to fill two awesome positions – another retail sales associate as well as an office administrator.
To Apply: Email a PDF resume + cover letter to kathryn@pacificangler.ca
Pacific Angler – About us
Pacific Angler is Vancouver’s largest and most energetic, full service fishing pro shops. Our staff are avid, lifetime fishermen with a vast range of experience on rivers, lakes and ocean with a special love for and focus on British Columbia.
Retail Sales Associate – Part Time:
The Retail Sales Associate position is responsible for providing an unparalleled shopping experience by delivering legendary customer service and exceptional product knowledge to every customer. We are looking for a self-motivated team player with previous retail or related customer service experience and a passion for fishing to join our team.
If this is you, read on for more details!
Office Administrator – Part Time:
We are seeking an experienced office administrator who is a multitasker to join our growing team! The incumbent will be an integral part of the team and working alongside the Operations Manager and our Retail and Guiding Teams. This role includes handling many tasks and jobs that pertain to the effective running of the back end of our business along with assisting in the coordination of exciting in store and out of store special events, classes and sales. This is a flexible part-time role with the opportunity to grow into a full time position in the future for the right candidate.
For the full job description click here!
INDUSTRY EVENTS AND UPDATES
District of North Vancouver Fire Fighters Charity Fishing Tournament
The District of North Vancouver’s Charity Fishing Tournament is fast approaching. It’s always a great day out on the water fishing and raising funds for the Seymour Salmonid Society and Athletics for Kids. This derby sells out every year so be so sure to get your ticket today.
Details on event and how to get tickets in picture below.
FRESHWATER FISHING REPORTS
Chilliwack/Vedder River Fishing Report
The Vedder chinook are starting to wind down but it is still
worth getting out. We are still seen red hot chinook fishing in the salt so
these fish are still pushing in. First light and roe is the way to go for these
fish. Add some extra spice to your meatballs with procure oils and gels to give
your bait that extra kick.
We have also been hearing that the water is fairly clear at the moment so now is
an excellent time to get out scouting the river. Scouting is always a good idea
because it will give you the opportunity to see any obstructions that may get
hidden throughout the season. You will also be able to find some good holding
pockets for fish as well.
We heard the first consistent reports of pinks being hooked and that makes
sense with all the fish we have been encountering over the last week stacked up
outside the Fraser mouth. The retention ban has also been lifted for pinks and
you are able to keep 2 fish per day. Floating or casting Jigs, spoons and
spinners are a great way to entice these fish to bite. We have a large
selection of everything Pink so come on into the shop and let us get you geared
up for this super fun fishery! You may also encounter sockeye at this time of
year, which are closed to retention, so please make sure you release these fish
with care.
Zach Copland
Squamish River Fishing Report
The catch and release pink salmon fishery on the Squamish is soldiering on and, as we wrap up our Summer and go into the start of the school year, continues to be quite strong. We have a definite mix of fish in various stages of their spawning cycle now, with some chromers mixed in with humpies and zombies. In about a week or so it will be like Halloween has come early with all of the spawned out fish milling about but the next 7 days will probably be the last push of fresh fish before we start to see this fishery really tail off.
Pretty much everything that is pink, chartreuse, lime green, and anything that is a shade of those three will work. You can cater your presentation to the water clarity and to where the fish are sitting, so scale down your lures and flies when the fish are up shallow in clear water or go bigger in faster and more turbulent current. Currently the water is at a good height and the tributaries are running fairly clear.
If you have never caught a (pink) salmon before, this is the time to get up there and hook one. We can set you up for success so come visit us at the shop and get ready to pull on some fish!
Alex Au-Yeung
Capilano River Mouth Fishing Report
The fishing at the mouth of the Capilano has been very spotty. There are quite a few fish there but getting them has been tricky. Most of the reports I have heard from good customers here at the shop were quite slow, although there have been a couple moments of brilliance as once in a while the fishing turns on and the fish start biting. This happened on one particular day this past week and the lucky anglers that were there got hooked up, but the next day it had shut off again. Those that are putting in the time for this fishery are getting rewarded but that is just it; be prepared to put in the time. A few pinks have mixed in with the coho at this point in time as well so bring a few pink lures or flies to change things up a little.
Alex Au-Yeung
FEATURE
Curing Roe
With the chinook fishing in the saltwater being so good, many anglers are taking home fish. We understand that everyone may not like sashimi style salmon eggs but if you don’t like eating it and you are a river fisherman you should save some for making bait. Making bait can be a little intimidating but it is easier than you may think. We sell two major products for curing roe with a ton of different flavours and colours to choose from (well we actually sell three but we will get into the 3rd in a later post) and in this article we will walk you through the simple process to make it into something that will last in your fridge for up to 2 months and if you freeze it (after the curing process) it can last much longer.
When you catch the fish, bleed it and put it on ice. When you clean the fish remove the roe. Do not remove it from the skein but see if you can get out any veins then pat it dry with a paper towel. At this point put it in a zip lock back and get it back in the cooler or in the fridge.
First off don’t freeze your roe before curing it. If you freeze it the ice crystals beak down the eggs and you will be left with a very mushy bait that falls off the hook.
Follow these easy to follow steps to prepare your very own roe!
Roe Recipe:
1) Butterfly skeins of roe onto paper towel.
2) Add a light layer of procure cure to the eggs, covering them evenly (you don’t need very much).
3) Flip over the skeins onto front and cover the membrane of the skein with cure as well.
4) Massage the cure throughout the skeins into all the layers. Make sure to use gloves, its messy. At this stage if roe is not lightly covered add more procure.
5) Place the roe into a Ziploc bag or jar.
6) Leave the bag/jar in the fridge overnight. If you have a chance turn over bag/jar to make sure roe gets evenly cured. Allowing the eggs to juice out, and then re-accept the juices back inside. *This is the key to having nice eggs is allowing them to soak up all the cure, which in the end gives you big juicy bright roe.
7) After 12-24hours pull the skeins out of the bag and lay them back onto paper towel to drain.
8) Cut the roe into pieces around the size of a toonie.
9) Take procure borax and tumble the roe in it. This dries the roe out as well as toughing up the membrane allowing you to fish it longer.
10) Package the roe in Tupperware containers with fresh borax and freeze. If done properly your roe will look great, fish longer, and last for approx. 6 months
The second kind of cure is our liquid cures. The process is very similar but can make it easier to ensure that all the roe is treated and cured.
1) Butterfly skeins of roe onto paper towel.
2) Cut into desired sized chunks.
3) Put into bag or jar and add enough liquid cure to cover/submerge the roe evenly. Again you don’t need much.
4) Role bag or jar so liquid gets into the roe.
5) Leave the bag/jar in the fridge overnight. If you have a chance turn over bag/jar to make sure roe gets evenly cured.
6) After 12-24hours pull the skeins out of the bag and lay them back onto paper towel to drain/dry. Dry to desired toughness.
7) Follow same steps with borax if you plan to freeze the roe if not you can put back into jar or bag and keep up to roughly a month.
We hope this helps you preparing roe this season. Come into the shop for all the supplies and cures – we have a huge selection! Too busy to drop by the shop… give us a call @ 604-872-2204.
STILLWATER FISHING REPORTS
Fall Lakes Season – We are Not There Yet
The final week of august and first few weeks of September seem to have no plans of cooling down.
If you’ve got a trip lined up for this labour day long weekend, pick your location carefully. High elevation or a large body of water are your best bets. (without travelling far north) Locally I’d be looking at either Jones or Harrison Lake – granted you’ve got a watercraft of some type. Although not the easiest of lakes to fly fish, they offer a nice location for the gear guys wanting to flex their gang trolls
As far as the interior goes, it’s a tough time of year. You can occasionally pick up fish right in the morning, or late in the afternoon by stripping scud or leech patterns close to shore. But it’s never a sure bet. We’ve had some decent reports coming in from all the usual suspects. Stump, Roche, Tunkwa, and Lundbom, but don’t expect dynamite days like we had throughout spring.
Welcome to the dog days of summer, hopefully our lakes handle it better than the Blue Jays.
Aidan Munro
SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS
Vancouver Saltwater Fishing Report
Well the “reds” just kept on coming this week. After a few slow days it really turned on again around the North Arm and the T-10 early this week. Good thing too, as the NW winds kept us off the South Arm, but prior to the winds the fishing was very good down there as well. The Bell Buoy also kicked out some nice chinook this week when it was even too rough to venture out to the North Arm.
Although this past week most of our chinook were red, we definitely will start to see some more white chinook show up this week. In fact, the orcas, presumably Southern Residents, were off the South Arm on Wednesday night. As of the time of me writing this report (Thursday morning) it has been understandably slow at the South Arm as a result. Not to worry though, as I am sure it will pick up on the next flood tide. The SRKW (Southern Resident Killer Whales) definitely do key in on these larger white chinook that are from the Harrison and Chilliwack/Vedder, so expect to see them around the next few weeks. Remember that instead of closing down the Fraser Mouth, DFO opted for these measures Boating Around Killer Whales – South Coast of BC 2019 so make sure you are educated on the areas you are fishing and the appropriate actions. If we don’t take this seriously, the next steps will be broad area closures.
Important Notice: Starting Friday, August 30, 2019, you will be able to retain 2 chinook salmon a day. Here is the DFO wording. Strait of Georgia South and Juan de Fuca; Portions of Areas 18, 19, 20-5, 29-3 to 29-5, and 29-8: 00:01 hours August 30 to 23:59 hours December 31, 2019, 2 chinook per day. So, translation. If you are fishing the Bell Buoy, North Arm, Iona, T-10, or South Arm, you can now keep 2 chinook a day over 62 cm, no maximum size limit, until December 31st and then we will see what happens.
Looking back a little closer to home, the Vancouver Harbour has been pretty quiet along West Van. There really doesn’t seem to be a lot of coho around yet and there have only been a few chinook taken off the Cap Mouth. I haven’t checked with the Cap Hatchery to see how the coho run is doing so far, but our best efforts along West Van haven’t been rewarded with many coho.
It’s a good thing the chinook fishing has been so good!
See you in the shop or on the water,
Jason Tonelli